The Second XI look to continue their good form when they kick-off a friendly against Gloucestershire today.
After a draw and two wins across two formats so far this season, this friendly is essential to keep momentum flowing.
The game is being played at an out ground which gives and extra challenge to the travelling squad.
“We don’t know much about the ground at Thornbury CC as we don’t have any experience there as a squad,” second team coach Paul Johnson said.
“We will be hoping for a pitch that has something for everybody and the weather to stay dry in order to get three days of cricket in.”
“The pitches that we have played on so far have been good for batting or spin-friendly wickets.”
“Whilst that is good for the batsman and spinners, the seam bowlers haven’t had a long bowl yet this season.”
“It would be nice to see others perform so that we have players in form across the squad.”
The game offers a number of senior players the chance to kick on and be ready if the chance comes to play first team.
“This game is a case of keeping players ticking along and getting some overs under the seamer’s belts.”
“This will show to Mick and Chris that if injuries deplete the first team a number of our squad are ready for the step up.”
“In the batting the top four is rather inexperienced and every game gives them the chance to kick on.”
“They are complimented with a strong five through nine which leaves us with a good balance throughout the team.”
The game also gives the squad chance to prove their worth against a team that isn’t in their division.
“This is an ideal opportunity to show what we are capable of as we don’t play Gloucester throughout the season.”
Squad to face Gloucestershire: Sam Kelsall, Hasan Azad, Tom Rowe, Sam Wood, Adam Tillcock, Paul Franks (c), Graeme White, Brett Hutton, Ben Phillips, Jake Ball, Andy Carter and Alex Mellor (wk)